CIMSPA is preparing a submission in response to the government announcement of a 10-year health plan consultation for England and is inviting the sector to give their thoughts.

The submission will highlight the contribution of the sport and physical activity workforce, as well as the impact the sector can make to the prevention of, and recovery from, long-term health conditions.

“Sport and physical activity professionals play a significant role in improving health and wellbeing across communities,” says CIMPSA CEO, Tara Dillon. “There is some fantastic work taking place across the sector which is making an immense impact on the prevention of, and recovery from, long-term health conditions.

“What is urgently needed now is a plan from government and appropriate policy to ensure that this work is scaled by ensuring our sector workforce is placed at the heart of plans to increase active wellbeing, reduce demand on healthcare services and tackle economic inactivity.

“The consultation on the 10-year health plan for England focuses on three ‘shifts’ which are intended to explore significant changes in the way that health services work. With two of these ‘shifts’ focusing on prevention and community interventions, there is clearly an opportunity for our sector to influence how future services are shaped and delivered.”

The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care has established 11 working groups to support the development of a 10-year health plan, which will consider the future vision for the NHS, as well as areas that need to change to enable the vision to become a reality.

The groups will consider a number of different areas including how health services can play a greater role in preventing the onset of ill health and stopping the progression of specific conditions; developing a vision for joined-up care and improving equity and address disparities.

You can share your thoughts with CIMSPA by completing this form by 22 November.